JUNEAU - Trade, technology and local governance were
among the top subjects of meetings between a delegation of Alaska
companies and government leaders and their Russian counterparts
on Sakhalin Island in Russia's Far East.

A group of Alaska business leaders along with House Speaker
Gail Phillips, Senate President Mike Miller and Governor Tony
Knowles, traveled to this oil-rich island to promote trade and
build relations, April 12-15.

Phillips and Miller said the purpose of the trip was to
establish both government and business relations between Alaska
and Sakhalin.

"Sakhalin Island is at a place Alaska was in its oil
industry about twenty years ago," said Speaker Phillips.
"Alaska is probably in the best position to help the
Sakhalin oil and gas industry get going in the right direction -
one that includes environmentally responsible development. In
doing so, we also provide the opportunity to create jobs for
Alaskans," said Phillips.

"This was a very productive trade mission and well worth
our time to establish working relations with our neighbors to the
East," said Senator Miller. "I think it was important
that I, along with Speaker Phillips and Governor Knowles,
accompanied many business leaders to demonstrate the support
Alaska's private sector has from state government."

Phillips said upon her return she will be forwarding copies of
Alaska statutes to Sakhalin, reprinted in Russian.

"I was very surprised when we met with the Legislative
leaders (Duma) that they wanted our help to establish basic laws
of governance. They have really looked at Alaska as a model to
follow. They want laws to fight crime, provide social services,
and protect the environment," said Speaker Phillips.

"Many of the members of their Duma had been
representatives before the decline of Communism in the U.S.S.R.
It is very exciting to see their enthusiasm at the opportunity to
make a democracy in their region. They are working to create a
system that promotes local governance and a free economy,"
said Phillips.

Senator Miller said a wide range of Alaska companies
participated on the trade mission - from oil field service
businesses to telecommunications firms.

Sakhalin is the site of four major oil and gas development
projects in which several international oil companies, including
Exxon, Mobil, Texaco and Marathon Oil, are already involved.

Sakhalin Island is located just north of Japan off the coast
of the Russian Far East.

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